WASHINGTON, July 29: President George W. Bush urged Iran on Saturday to stop sending weapons and money to Hezbollah and warned Syria to stop supporting terrorism.

In his weekly radio address, Mr Bush called the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel “painful and tragic” but said it also “presents a moment of opportunity” to bring change to the Middle East.

Mr Bush also reiterated his support for getting a UN Security Council resolution that would mandate a multinational force in southern Lebanon.

Meanwhile, analysts and diplomatic observers appearing on various US television shows warned on Saturday that the fight between Israel and Hezbollah could hamper the US-led fight against terrorism.

They blamed US and Israeli intelligence agencies for underestimating Hezbollah’s strength.

The analysts also noted that despite the display of unity by President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair in Washington on Friday, the US support for Israel’s response is regarded as disproportionate by many Europeans.